We are thrilled to introduce you to our newest board members!
Steven Fast
Third Age Initiative™ Class 16
Steve retired from the law firm of Day Pitney LLP where he worked with clients to protect their family over generations, resolve controversy, avoid voluntary gift and estate tax, and maximize the power of charitable giving. He is now teaching Trusts and Estates at UConn and Quinnipiac law schools and providing volunteer help at Greater Hartford Legal Aid.
Maura Fitzgerald
Quest Class 2022
Maura has been involved in Connecticut public affairs as a public information officer, public relations consultant, and communications advisor to top elected officials for more than 25 years. She currently serves as the SVP of McDowell Communications Group in Hartford where she manages strategic communications campaigns and crisis communications for several public sector and non-profit clients. Prior to joining MCG, Maura served as Director of Communications for the Connecticut Department of Public Health, Deputy State Director for US Senator Richard Blumenthal, and as Communications Director on then-Attorney General Blumenthal’s first successful run for US Senate. Maura was a member of the Quest 2022 class. She holds a B.A. in political science from Randolph-Macon College in Virginia, an M.P.A. from UConn, and is currently working on a Masters’ in Organizational Leadership at Goodwin University, which she expects to receive in spring 2024. Maura resides in South Windsor, her childhood hometown, with her two daughters, Catherine (17) and Fiona (15), and two Australian Shepherds, Hank and Ted.
Elsie Gonzalez
Quest Class 2019
Elsie is the Director of DEI at Capitol Region Education Council (CREC) in Hartford, CT. Before this role, she was the Assistant Vice President for Diversity and Inclusion at the University of Connecticut. She is an accomplished higher education professional specializing in student development, diversity and inclusion, and human resource management. She develops and facilitates programs and initiatives to align individuals, groups, and organizations to their strategic goals and objectives. Her goals are to advocate for access, equity, and belonging across CREC and transform environments for inclusion. Her myriad credentials include a Master’s degree in Human Resource Management from UConn School of Business (2016), a Master’s degree in Higher and Postsecondary Education Administration from Teachers College-Columbia University (2004), and a Bachelor’s degree in Counseling Psychology (2003) from Lesley University.